UA Fashion Student Releases Exclusive Game Day Collection With Cocolillys

During her small-town upbringing in Flippin, Ally Hodges, junior fashion student at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, learned to appreciate the little things, finding beauty in the simple moments of her everyday life. Fashion felt like something that happened someplace else, she said, but she never stopped dreaming about being a part of that world. 

 

“I’ve loved fashion for as long as I can remember,” she said. “Even as a little girl, I adored playing dress-up. As I got older, I realized fashion wasn’t just about wearing beautiful clothes — it was a way to express yourself and add a little sparkle to everyday life.” 

 

 

Now majoring in apparel merchandising and product development at the U of A, those dreams have come true with the release of an exclusive Arkansas game-day collection set to launch online at Cocolillys Aug. 10. 

 

“As someone from a small town in Arkansas, I never expected to be surrounded by so many opportunities and experiences that would continue to challenge me to dream bigger — and then even bigger,” she said. “Along the way, I discovered a passion for encouraging others to feel confident in exactly who they are by sharing my personal style and showing that getting dressed can be a joyful way to celebrate everyday life.”

 

 

Her time at the U of A has transformed a simple love of clothing into a fascination with the entire industry, she said. While at the university, she has worked as a bridal consultant, served as secretary of the fashion and apparel board, led Kappa Kappa Gamma’s bid day as creative coordinator, participated in the student-run fashion show Enclothe, and built her own styling and design platform, Styled by Alexandra Anne.

 

She called her collaboration with Cocolillys a “full-circle moment” during which every lesson she learned in the classroom became the foundation for her decisions in real life.

 

 

“It was incredibly rewarding to realize the terminology and concepts I’d been learning in class weren’t just textbook knowledge — they became the language I used while collaborating with the Cocolillys team,” she said. “Being able to confidently discuss fabrics, silhouettes, fit, construction details and product development made me appreciate just how well the program prepares students for the fashion industry.”

 

Inspired by the idea that game day can be timeless and feminine, Hodges said the collection lends an elevated perspective to the charm of Southern traditions in hopes of crafting items that remain appealing years into the future and allow women to feel exactly like themselves in every piece. 

 

 

“More than anything, I wanted to design a collection that goes beyond the stadium,” she said. “While every piece celebrates the excitement of Razorback game day, each one was intentionally designed to transition seamlessly into the rest of life’s beautiful moments. My hope is that these aren’t pieces someone wears for just one football season but pieces they continue reaching for and making memories in for years to come.” 

 

She said the Cocolillys brand aligns with her own philosophy that “fashion should make everyday life feel a little more special.” The women behind Cocolillys were some of the kindest, most encouraging people she has worked with, she added, and watching them lead with kindness, generosity and faith was just as inspiring as the opportunity to design the collection.

 

 

“It is truly one of the most encouraging opportunities I have ever had, and to be trusted with designing a commercially produced collection while still in college is something I’ll never take for granted,” she said. “More than anything, it’s been the sweetest reminder that you don’t have to become someone else to achieve your dreams. Some of the greatest opportunities come from staying true to who you are, working hard and allowing your genuine passion to shine.”

 

The experience taught her the value of authenticity and that the key to success is remaining true to oneself while being surrounded by a supportive community, she added. After graduation, she hopes to build a career that combines fashion, creativity and meaningful relationships while continuing to encourage others through her work. 

 

 

“In an industry that can sometimes encourage comparison, I want my corner of it to encourage confidence and authenticity,” she said. “I’ve been so blessed to meet women who use fashion as a way to uplift others, and they’ve inspired me to do the same. To me, fashion has the incredible ability to bring people together, build confidence and celebrate life’s sweet moments. Whether it’s through a piece I’ve designed, an outfit I’ve styled or simply encouraging someone to embrace their own style, my hope is always to leave people feeling more confident than when they arrived.”

 

 

Looking back, she said, her designs continue to be informed by the values and genuine sense of community she felt growing up in Flippin. 

 

“I hope my story encourages someone else to take that first step toward a dream that might feel far away,” she added. “You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin. Sometimes the opportunities that shape your future come simply from saying yes, being willing to learn and believing that you’re capable of more than you ever imagined.”

 

Photos by Jazmin Scheitel Photography
READ ALSO: Bentonville Teen Set to Run 2nd Course on American Ninja Warrior